Chapter 13

Cameron

From the time I sawSamantha on Wednesday until Friday seemed more like a week rather than a day and a half. The nervous anticipation coursing through me was something I hadn’t felt in a while. Especially when it came to a woman. As a high school athlete, I was just cocky enough to know I didn’t have to ask for dates, the girls around here sought me out. As a soldier, it was pretty much the same. Though I did learn to be a little more discerning. One look at the uniform and they practically melted where they stood.

Samantha, however, was altogether in a class of her own. She didn’t fall all over me. In fact, she seemed to keep her distance. With her past, I know she is only being cautious and trying to protect her heart from breaking again. The cocky teenager within me is determined to prove to her she can love again.

After checking the crops and making sure the irrigation timers are set, Kenny, Craig, and I saddle up our horses and ride out to the south pasture to check on the cattle.

Once we reach the open fields, we give the horses their lead and let them run. When our rides begin to slow, we reign them in and walk then to the edge of the creek. When we have the herd in sight, we dismount and allow the horses to drink and graze. Kenny is the first to break the silence between us.

“So, big date tonight.”

I grin as I pat Samson. “Yeah. I hope she likes what I have planned.”

Craig comes to stand between us. Arms crossed over his chest he looks every bit of the overprotective friend. “What do you have planned?”

“I’m taking her out to dinner and then I’ve set up a surprise dessert for her at the American Legion.”

Kenny and Craig stare at me for a moment in disbelief. Craig blinks slowly before speaking. “The American Legion?”

I hold up a hand to stop him from saying any more. “Before you say anything else, what I have planned I think Samantha will see as more of a romantic gesture than it sounds like to you two.”

Kenny’s eyes narrow as he looks at me. “Have you run your plans past Aubrey?”

I chuckle and shake my head. “Are you kidding? Those two are thick as thieves, I didn’t want the surprise ruined.”

Kenny grins. “Probably a good idea. I’m sure she’ll hear all about it after church on Sunday if not before.”

Craig chuckles and shakes his head. “You better bring you’re a-game brother.”

“I know I haven’t done this in a while, but you guys need to trust me. I got this.”

I pullup to Samantha’s house five minutes before I’m expected. When we returned from our ride this afternoon, Aubrey walked out to meet us. Keys dangling from her finger, she stopped in front of me as I raised an eyebrow at her. “Can’t let my bestie ride in Pop’s old truck tonight now, can I?”

I chuckled as I took the keys from her. “I guess not. Thanks, I’ll return it without a scratch.” Aubrey smiled completely pleased with herself and then went to join her husband.

Turning off the engine, I leave keys in the ignition and exit the SUV. I make my way up the steps, onto the front porch and knock on the screen door. A minute or so later, Mr. Kincaid pulls open the front door.

“Cameron, come on in.”

I open the screen door and step inside. “Thank you, Mr. Kincaid. Nice to see you, sir.”

He waves me over to the sofa, and I wait until he’s seated before taking one myself. “Samantha will be down in a minute. So, how are you adjusting to being home?”

I grin. “It was easier than I expected. Not sure how much Kenny and Craig really need me, but they keep me busy enough.”

Mr. Kincaid nods. “That’s good.”

Mrs. Kincaid smiles as she walks in from the kitchen. “Hello, Cameron.”

I stand to greet her. “Ma’am.”

She pats her husband on the shoulder and begins to walk toward the stairs. “I’ll let Samantha know you’re here.”

“Thank you, ma’am”

I return to my seat and continue talking with Mr. Kincaid. The sound of footsteps on the stairs catches my attention and I immediately stand from my seat. My eyes work their way up from strappy high heels and tan legs to the light green floral dress accentuating her curves. A light blush stains Samantha’s cheeks as she smiles, and her eyes meet mine for the briefest moment.

I step forward and offer her my hand as she descends the last few steps. I lean in and kiss her cheek, catching the soft floral scent that brings the pattern of her dress to life. “You look beautiful.”

The blush on her cheeks deepens as her eyes sweep up to mine. “Thank you. You look very handsome too.”

“Thank you. Are you ready to go?” Holding my gaze, Samantha nods. With my hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the door. As I open the door, I turn back to her parents. “Sir, ma’am, y’all have a good night.”

Mrs. Kincaid smiles as she leans into her husband’s side. “You two have a good time, drive carefully.”

Closing the door, I turn to find Samantha smiling when she sees the SUV sitting in the driveway. “Let me guess, Aubrey bullied you into taking her SUV?”

I laugh and take her hand as we walk to the passenger side of the vehicle. “I wouldn’t exactly say bullied, let’s just say, she left no room for argument.”

Samantha laughs as I open the door for her to climb inside. “And that’s why she’s an attorney.”

I grin as I close the door and make my way to the driver’s side. I slide in behind the wheel and start the engine. Samantha is quiet as we pull out on the highway.

“It’s been…”

“I haven’t…”

We both begin to speak at the same time, immediately breaking the tension between us and making us laugh.

I grin and glance over at Samantha. “Please, go ahead.”

She smiles softly. “I was going to say, it’s been a while since I’ve been on a date.”

I smile and relax a little. “Sounds like we were both a little nervous about tonight. I was going to say, I haven’t done this in a while, so I apologize if I’m a little rusty.”

Samantha reaches over and lays her hand on my arm. “So far, you’re doing just fine.”